HAYS, KS -- A recently completed survey shows that 99 percent of the 774 people who graduated from Fort Hays State University in the 1999-2000 academic year are now either employed or enrolled in an advanced education program.

This amazing placement rate continues the success of recent years. It was also 99 percent a year ago, 98 percent in 1997-98, 97 percent in 1996-97, 97 percent in 1995-96 and 99 percent in 1994-95.

The survey is conducted annually by the Office of Career Services, which assists FHSU students in acquiring the skills necessary for a successful job search and provides information about available jobs. Career Services Director Daniel B. "Dan" Rice distributed the results of the most recent survey this week.

"An important measure of our success as a university is the ability of our graduates to find jobs or be accepted into programs of advanced study," said Dr. Edward H. Hammond, FHSU president. "We are extremely pleased that once again this year, we can report almost perfect success in our placement rate. It is a tribute to the quality of our students, the quality of our faculty and the quality of the support programs, such as advising and career services, that we provide to our students."

Of the 774 graduates in 1999-2000, 518 are now employed in jobs related to their major field of study, 62 are employed outside their major, and 176 are enrolled in a program of continuing education. Twelve of the graduates reported that they were not seeking employment, and just six were still seeking employment.

It is especially significant to note that 90 percent of the graduates are either working in their major field of study or are pursuing further education. That percentage is even stronger than it appears because many of the students employed outside their major made an intentional choice to go in a different direction.

"Employers continuously seek out students from FHSU for their strong work ethic and excellent interpersonal skills," Rice said. "A strong economy and the need for a qualified workforce have provided numerous employment opportunities for which FHSU students are especially well suited."